How do Christians view prenuptial agreements?

Definition and Overview

A prenuptial agreement, sometimes called a “prenup,” is a contract entered into by two people before they marry. It typically outlines provisions for finances, assets, inheritances, and other responsibilities should the marriage end in divorce or death. While Scripture does not explicitly reference prenuptial agreements, believers often look to biblical principles regarding marriage covenants, stewardship, and unity to guide their thinking on this topic.

Biblical Covenant of Marriage

Marriage is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a covenant—a sacred and lifelong commitment between husband and wife. Scripture teaches:

• “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mark 10:6–9)

• “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31)

Within these passages, marriage is described as an inseparable union that God ordains. Because of this covenantal aspect, many Christians approach marital decisions—including financial ones—under the guidance that marriage is more than a mere contract; it is a vow that reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:22–33).

No Direct Biblical Command on Prenups

Scripture does not explicitly mention prenuptial agreements. In biblical times, marriages were often accompanied by dowries or bridal gifts, but the modern prenuptial contract as known today is not addressed. Therefore, believers typically draw conclusions about prenups by applying relevant principles such as:

1. Stewardship of resources (Proverbs 3:9–10)

2. Trust and unity in marriage (Philippians 2:2)

3. Avoidance of greed and materialism (1 Timothy 6:10)

Stewardship and Planning

Certain Christians point out that responsible stewardship and planning are encouraged in Scripture. For instance, Jesus uses examples of counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28) to illustrate the importance of prudent forethought. In some circumstances, believers reasons that a prenuptial agreement could serve as prudent planning. Examples include:

• Protecting children from a previous marriage

• Clarifying financial responsibilities

• Preventing misunderstandings about debt or assets

From this perspective, a prenuptial agreement might help couples enter marriage with full disclosure and transparency, fostering healthy communication and financial accountability.

Concerns About Distrust

Other Christians express concern that negotiating the terms of a potential separation before marriage can undermine the unity and trust intrinsic to a covenant relationship. They often cite Malachi 2:14–15, which portrays God as witness to the marriage covenant, indicating its profound spiritual nature. Critics argue that prenuptial agreements may subtly introduce the idea that the marriage covenant can be easily dissolved, contrary to the biblical emphasis on oneness and lifelong commitment (Matthew 19:6).

Honoring the Spirit of Unity

Many believers attempt to balance these perspectives by encouraging engaged couples to:

1. Maintain openness and honesty about finances (Proverbs 11:3)

2. Approach marriage without an expectation of divorce

3. Seek godly counsel before making decisions about prenuptial agreements (Proverbs 15:22)

If a prenup is created, some Christians advise approaching it in a spirit of unity rather than self-protection. This mindset upholds that both spouses should care for each other’s best interests, reflecting the Christlike love described in Ephesians 5.

Applying Love and Sacrifice

Biblical teaching repeatedly speaks to sacrificial love in marriage: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Likewise, wives are called to honor and respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). In deciding whether or not to have a prenuptial agreement, Christians often ask if the arrangement aligns with sacrificial love, mutual trust, and the willingness to serve one another.

Church Counsel and Community

Because of the weightiness of marriage, many believers seek counsel from trusted church leaders, premarital counselors, or mentors:

• “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Christian mentors or pastors can provide biblical wisdom, ensuring that any financial planning—including prenuptial agreements—does not overshadow the spiritual unity and commitment of marriage.

Practical Considerations

1. Motivation – Couples are encouraged to evaluate their motives. Is the agreement driven by fear, lack of trust, or purely legal concerns? Or is it part of responsible planning and caring for familial obligations?

2. Fairness – Agreements should be equitable and transparent, not favoring one person at the expense of another.

3. Unity – Communication is key. Mutual understanding and prayerful consideration can help preserve unity rather than sow seeds of division.

Pastoral Guidance

Leaders who counsel engaged couples commonly emphasize the foundational principle that love seeks the good of the other (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). As with any major marital decision, the goals should be honor, love, and fidelity toward God and each other. Couples are encouraged to pray, study Scripture, and consult spiritually mature advisors who can help them evaluate if a prenup supports or hinders a God-honoring marriage.

Conclusion

Prenuptial agreements are not specifically addressed in the Bible, leaving Christians historically and presently to rely on broader biblical principles regarding marriage, stewardship, and commitment. The unifying covenantal nature of marriage stands paramount in Scripture. Thus, each couple should weigh whether a prenuptial agreement supports the unity and sanctity of their union or poses potential challenges to the trust and covenant they share.

Decisions about prenuptial agreements ultimately require personal discernment, prayer, and wise counsel. Whatever choice is made, Christians aim to honor the biblical ideal of marriage as a lifelong, God-ordained covenant upheld by love, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to glorify God together.